US and Iran reach peace deal; Strait of Hormuz to reopen

The US and Iran have agreed to a peace framework brokered by Pakistan, with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announcing that a memorandum of understanding will be signed in Switzerland on Friday (Jun 19). Both sides declared an "immediate and permanent" end to military operations, including in Lebanon. President Donald Trump also announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US naval blockade on Iranian ports. A final agreement is expected to be negotiated over the next 60 days. However, uncertainty remains due to Israeli strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut. Israel is not a party to the deal, raising concerns that continued military operations could threaten the ceasefire in the weeks ahead. https://cna.asia/4aIQBXF AP Photo/Vahid Salemi